Having an allegiance to a club is an important step for any football supporter. It’s a decision that shouldn’t be taken lghtly and one that can’t (and shouldn’t) be easily changed.
We are Hibernian: The Fan’s Story by Andy MacVannan is a collection of stories from people associated with this great club. It’s truly a learning experience for any Scottish football fan, even for those that follow Hibs on a regular basis. This title is brilliant because of its ability to be personal and conversational, revealing the reasons why people chose this great club. It brings a lot of perspectives to a single book, each revealing a small piece of Hibernian FC.
Hibernian is special and as Ger Freedman said in the book, “supporting Hibs is not just about the game of football, it is a way of life.” It is a way of life for many, including people from all over the social spectrum, from musicians and actors to politicians and businessmen. This book is their story, their love affair with a club that is among the world’s oldest, dating all the way back to 1875.
A lot has happened since then, a lot of legendary players and coaches have come and gone. The Edinburgh rivalry, older than the Old Firm of Celtic and Rangers, used to be the biggest derby in all of Scotland. Some of the world’s best players, the likes of Gordon Smith, Joe Baker, Pat Stanton, and Micky Weir, used to ply their trade for Hibs. Turnbull’s Tornadoes and the Famous Five used to entertain crowds all over Scotland.
While the club can’t attract the Messis and Ronaldos in the world today, they still have world-class supporters and will have them for many generations to come. Hibs is a family and they are very aware of the need to continue to grow and foster supporter culture. They are doing just that, exposing the next generation of fans to the club, just as those did that came before them.
Hibs is attractive to follow because it is a progressive club, one that is forward-looking and a force for good. It is not bogged down by hooliganism, greed, or global commercialization. Simply put, you can expect a great book to come from a great club with great supporters. It’s hard to expect anything else.
Maybe someday the U.S. and Canada will have this same supporter culture, where football is king and your favorite club is part of your everyday life. Hibs would be a great example to follow, how a club can reveal the true heart and soul of the game.
